Raw unrefined sugar is not the same as the brown sugar that you see in the store, even though they are both brown. Unrefined raw sugar is made from the juice from the sugar cane plant and has trace minerals and nutrients present. Refined sugar is devoid of all nutrients. Typically, white sugar is made of pure carbohydrates. Today, it is common knowledge that refined white sugar has devastating affects on the body and health in general. Besides being a certain way to elevate blood sugar levels, unrefined white sugar is considered to be “empty calories” as it offers no nutritional substance whatsoever.
When it comes to choosing sugar, there is no doubt that unrefined raw sugar is the best choice. It contains minerals and nutrients that are stripped from refined white sugar and regular brown sugar. Raw sugar contains roughly eleven calories per teaspoon and has the same vitamin and mineral consistency that is found in the juice from the sugarcane plant. These minerals include Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium. In addition, when sugar is refined and processed there are many harmful ingredients that are added to the sugar as a result. Unrefined raw sugar does not have these harmful chemicals. Some of these include: Phosphoric Acid, Sulfur Dioxide, and Formic Acid.
With the increase of Diabetes and obesity in the country, it is imperative that people take a look at the type of sweeteners that they are using. It is important to make sure that you are not using excessive amounts of sugar, specifically refined white sugar in your diet. There are many natural sweeteners that will not detract from your health, but are an enhancement an offer nutritional benefits as well. In addition to unrefined raw sugar, honey is also a wonderful sweetener that offers nutritional benefits as well.
It is very important to make sure that you don't mistake unrefined raw sugar with brown sugar that is available in your grocery store. Brown sugar is sugar that has been refined and then molasses has been added to it. Brown sugar varies in color according to the amount of molasses that has been added to it. Like white refined sugar, brown sugar does not have the nutritional content found in unrefined. Both white refined and brown sugar are comprised of sucrose.
Many people turn to alternative sweeteners because they know that sugar is not good for them. However, there are numerous side effects and warning signs that accompany artificial sweeteners, even those that have been approved by the FDA. Some people think that if the FDA or government approves something then it is healthy. All one needs to do is take a look at the fact that cigarettes are legal to know that this isn't true. When people try artificial sweeteners, they often are disappointed when they try to use the product for baking purposes. Unrefined raw sugar is a much better alternative then artificial sweeteners. Not only is unrefined sugar healthy, but also it cooks and bakes exactly like white refined sugar giving it an advantage over other products.
